For two solid weeks our family has been in complete turmoil. Trying to decide on things that no parent should ever be forced to decide. To add to our stress is a screw… and not just a normal screw… no a 5% Kyleigh version of “ate a screw”.

Last night we had the distinct pleasure of chatting with Dr. Joe. After sitting with him for more than 3 hours we are at peace. Our hearts are peaceful. We slept well last night. We were able to eat a meal without being sick afterward. The feeling in the pits of our stomachs are gone. We are more than 100% confident and more than 100% in agreement that Dr. Joe will complete what he started almost two years ago. On November 6th Joe will close Kyleigh’s colostomy. For 16 months I have fielded the questions and diverted the “oooh you are stinky” questions with my head held high. My daughter did not choose this and yet she wears it well. She has no idea that she is any different than anyone else! I cannot find it in me to be sad for her. She will have her colostomy closed and she will never remember the long two years. She will never remember the looks and the smell. She will never know how it felt to look in her room and see a sea of medical supplies. She will not remember the bloodbaths in the tub.

But the one thing I know… is that she will wear her scars proudly. She will be thankful to us for seeking the best care possible. Most of all she will know what an amazing team we have chosen to care for her. I will tell her the story of the weeks that we spent with the danged screw and how devoted we were to her to make sure that we did everything right.

And then we will tell her about Joe. But what do you say to describe someone who cares for your child in a way that you never imagined anyone but yourself could? What do you say about someone who answers the countless emails at odd hours from a completely OCD (type 4 right Joe?) mother? Well you say he has been awarded a PhD in Kyleigh. That is an honor that has only been bestowed on three people on earth. While this may not be a prestigious honor that comes with many accolades in our world it is one of the highest honors one can receive.

You know I can sit and dote all day. I am partial to this doctor who has been there since Kyleigh’s first day of life. But you know its a true testament to one character when everyone else around you notices it too! I know that I know that staying in Kentucky with Joe as her surgeon is what is right for Kyleigh.

I have talked to many friends about this. They have watched our journey throughout Kyleigh’s life. Everything we have done has been a struggle and to finally be at peace is an amazing feeling. Its something we haven’t felt completely in quite a while. Joe hears so much hero worship from me that I believe he has stopped listening.

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